Fall feeder cattle are moving into the state, and there are a lot more to come yet. What we do in the first 14-21 days on feed has a tremendous impact on performance through out the feeding period.

In closeouts I see pens of cattle that quickly get up to 2.5 - 2.75% of their body weight as dry matter intake; typically they gain quickly and efficiently for the rest of the feeding period. Conversely, cattle that have low dry matter intake up front almost always have a difficult time reaching our dry matter intake goals for the rest of the feeding period. This gap in intake is reduced gain and efficiency.

 So what can we do to get intakes up quickly after arrival? Proper nutrition and a planned program are the key.

A planned receiving program would typically consist of long stem hay the first 12-24 hours, followed by an introduction of the total mixed ration. Proper additives are used to control coccidiosis and BRD. Calves should be worked up to 2.75% of their body weight over a 14-21day period, while yearlings can be brought up to 2.5% of their body weight in 7-14 days. When cattle reach these intake goals and are looking healthy, they can be moved on to the next diet.

The starter diet should be 13-15% protein to account for protein needs at low intakes and to help develop antibodies for proper immune response. By-pass protein is important for stressed cattle to get protein into their metabolism when their rumen is not yet functioning properly. Energy levels should be 45-48 Mcal NEg if corn is the primary energy source, and we can go up to 52-54 Mcal with non-starch energy sources.

Trace mineral and vitamin levels need to be raised on stressed cattle to get their metabolism and immunity going. Trace mineral levels need to be raised to account for electrolyte loss during shipping, and zinc methionine in particular helps with healing of the epithelial tissue lining the lungs. The NRC recommends 400 units per day of Vitamin E to boost immune response and healing.

Palatability is also very important to reach our dry matter intake goals. Generally, urea is avoided in receiving diets to avoid any ammonia smell in the bunk. Molasses can help improve intakes, as can flavoring agents in the feeds.

The Land O'Lakes Farmland cattle receiving feeds are designed to meet all these criteria, and our Beef Production Specialists and Beef Enterprise consultants are trained to assist you in projecting and maximizing intakes. Contact us at webmaster@beeflinks.com for more information or to get the name of your closest Land O'Lakes Farmland Beef Specialist.